Many people assume legacy giving is only for wealthy folks, but that’s not the case. Nearly 1.5 million Canadians have included a gift to charity in their will. Many are regular donors who give what they can after their own needs are met.

The wonderful thing about a gift in your will is that you can make sure your family is taken care of and still make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare in New Brunswick.

With tax savings in Canada by giving to charity, you absolutely can do both.

There are two common types of gifts in wills. You can choose a fixed sum gift, if you know the amount, you’d like to leave to charities close to your heart.

Or you can give a gift of residual interest. That means you provide for your loved ones, pay any debts, and donate whatever is left over to your cherished causes.

The great news is that you don’t have to. A lawyer or financial expert can create a simple addition, called a codicil, that forms part of your will and states your desire to include your gift to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.

Aside from the knowledge that you’re extending your generosity beyond your lifetime, there are real financial benefits when you leave a gift in your will. A professional advisor can help you reduce the taxes paid on your estate. That means you can leave the most money possible to those you care about.

It’s a very personal choice. You might want to inspire others by sharing your choice to give, or you may prefer to give anonymously. It’s entirely up to you and we will respect your preference either way.

You’re not obliged to share that you’ve left a gift in your will with us. If you do choose to communicate that you’ve included the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation in your will, it gives us the opportunity to thank you personally for such a beautiful gift and to welcome you to our giving community. We can then also keep you informed of the incredible progress donors are making possible, so you feel even more connected to the progress that we’re making in our province together!

By leaving a gift in your will, you’re essentially doing both!

Many of our donors are on fixed incomes, but they know they will be left with some assets or funds in the bank that they will no longer use once they’ve passed. When they leave a gift in their will, they know they’re planning today for a gift that will be used tomorrow.